Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Seafarer Abandonment Crisis: Indians Among Worst Hit
Many seafarers, including Indians, are being left stranded on ships with no pay and no way to leave.
This is happening because ship owners are not paying their crews and recruitment agents are exploiting seafarers.
This is a big problem that needs to be fixed.
Cases of seafarer abandonment have surged by 30% in 2025 compared to 2024.
More than 2,280 mariners are stranded aboard 222 vessels, with unpaid wages totaling $13.1 million.
Indian seafarers are among the worst affected, with 401 cases in 2023 and 899 in 2024.
Exploitation in the shipping industry is driving abandonments, with ship owners opting to cut ties rather than pay wages or maintain vessels.
Irregular recruitment practices in India put seafarers at risk, with agents often breaking rules and demanding bribes.
- Who
- Seafarers, including Indians, are being abandoned by their employers.
- What
- Cases of seafarer abandonment have surged, with many left stranded on ships with no pay.
- When
- The problem has been increasing in recent years, with a 30% surge in 2025 compared to 2024.
- Where
- This is happening worldwide, but Indian seafarers are among the worst hit.
- Why
- Exploitation in the shipping industry and irregular recruitment practices are driving abandonments.
Ship Owners
Seafarers and Their Advocates
Payment of Wages
Ship Owners
Ship owners may opt to cut ties rather than pay wages, cover repatriation, or maintain aging vessels.
Seafarers and Their Advocates
Seafarers and their advocates argue that ship owners should fulfill their responsibilities and pay wages as agreed.
Recruitment Practices
Ship Owners
Some recruitment agents exploit seafarers by demanding bribes or breaking rules.
Seafarers and Their Advocates
Seafarers and their advocates call for stricter enforcement of fair labor practices and regulation of recruitment agents.
- Total seafarers abandoned in 2025
- 2,280
- Indian seafarers abandoned in 2023
- 401
- Indian seafarers abandoned in 2024
- 899
- Percentage increase in abandonment cases from 2024 to 2025
- 30%